“Debuting in the same deluxe hardcover format as the hit JoJo's Bizarre Adventure manga is a standalone series featuring everyone's favorite manga artist, Rohan Kishibe! Rohan has freed himself of Josuke Higashikata, but that doesn't mean his life is going to be easy! No, now the supernatural has come knocking, and Rohan must contend with an all-new level of bizarre adventure…” (Viz Media)
Hirohiko Araki is a somewhat divisive character here in the Western fanscape with “Jojo's Bizarre Adventure” having a large cult following including its own meme culture where Jojo's references are everywhere and almost anything can be traced back to Dio. It is one of those fandoms that you are either on the in or bewildered by the obsessive nature of the mangas devotees–There are few that find themselves landing in the middle. Consequently, a spin-off series from the world of Jojo is bound to have an established audience.
The existing fandom can rest assured that the series still includes Araki's peculiar mix of horror, comedy, camp, machismo, and action. Furthermore, each segment stands on its own by touching on different story elements that Araki excels in. For example, “Mutsukabe-Hill” is the most horror-inspired segment, but still has a wonderful dark comedic angle that keeps the extreme elements of Arakai's absurd storytelling subdued. For those who have watched the anime limited series of the same name, the stories will be recognizable as they were adapted from the manga. While knowing the material before going in can sometimes be a deterrent, and as wonderfully expressive as the anime is in capturing the world of Araki, there is no real comparing the art of the mangaka to any adaptation.
To those uninitiated, “Thus Spoke Rohan Kishibe” is an ideal place to introduce readers to the world of “Jojo's Bizarre Adventure” without having to commit to the decades-long series. The writing is sharp, the visuals are on par with Araki's definitive work and it introduces the creator's eccentricities without having to do a deep dive into the history of the Joestar family. Additionally, Rohan has become a fan favorite for good reason as he acts as a stand-in for Araki to explore his own world through the eyes of a mangaka (Rohan's profession for those not in the know). Since most Jojo's fans are quick to try to spread the good word, this may be the perfect intro series to give an idea of what new people to the fandom can expect.
Released in the same hardcover format as the ongoing Jojo's series, the book is wonderfully presented. Though, to nitpick, a few extra colored panels would have been a welcome addition. Regardless, the hardcover bound release justifies the slightly higher price, and, more importantly, it is an aesthetically pleasing match with the other volumes of “Jojo's Bizarre Adventure” for those already collecting the long-running series.
Ultimately, If you are one of those obsessed with all things Jojo' you will enjoy “Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan” in equal measure, it is still quintessentially Araki's absurd and sensational storytelling on a smaller, bite-sized scale. For those curious about the work of Araki but afraid to approach the decades-long series, this is an ideal introduction that conveys why so many are obsessive about Araki and the world he created.
